Today we’d like to introduce you to Mario Lopez.
Hi Mario, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Motivated by the 9/11 tragedy, Mario Lopez joined the U.S. Army in 2003. In 2005 he deployed to Iraq, and then again to Afghanistan in 2008. While on mission he was hit with an IED and was seriously injured. He endured burns on 54% of his body, a right arm amputation, loss of vision in his right eye, and loss of four fingers on his left hand. He was rushed to San Antonio Military Medical Center August 2008. Mario was awarded the Purple Heart for his bravery and sacrifice.
During his recovery, Mario turned to painting once again. He discovered it to be therapeutic during his time of healing. Mario’s art work shows various styles such as landscape, abstract, and stylized design.
Mario has a very positive attitude toward life despite great adversity and climbing many of “life’s mountains”. His paintings are reflective of his perseverant spirit and unwavering faith in Jesus Christ. He is proud to bring hope to others through sharing his faith, his paintings and his personality.
He has a new motto, “Life Is Worth Living!”
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The time spent at BAMC recovering from life-threatening injuries was the hardest. Mario lost about 60lbs while in a medicated coma. He had to learn to re-learn how to eat, walk, and use what was left of his left arm. Shortly after his recovery, his marriage ended, and he did not have primary custody of his children. He thought he might be destined to be alone for the rest of his life. Throughout the recovery, Mario endured multiple surgeries and was also treated with various medications for both physical and emotional pain. He developed dependency on the medications and regularly misused them to cope. On one occasion, he took too much and had an NDE. What he saw on the other side got him serious about seeking answers to supernatural questions and his search for truth. He now puts all his hope in his faith in Jesus Christ. Shortly after his dramatic conversion, he met his wife, Danielle Lopez. She saw him for who he was inside and out. According to Danielle, “He is everything she prayed for in a man.” He truly is gentle, patient, kind, but strong, persistent, and unwavering. He has a solid sense of who he is and lives each day to serve us and others. They went on to have two more children together and enjoy spending lots of time with their family and serving their local church.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Mario gained a lot of attention for his artistic ability and his grave injuries. He was invited to participate in many art shows throughout the country and had success selling much of his work. However, he wasn’t satisfied with simply selling paintings. He wanted to turn the spotlight to other veterans whose injuries were not as visible. In 2012, he was introduced to the New Century Art Guild Non-Profit, and he began to partner with them to produce art shows for other veterans wanting to break into artistic professions. He is the Art Director for the Soutwest Region of NCAG and hopes to continue expanding their work nationwide.
Contact Info:
- Faceboook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DRFry9tAy/ and https://www.facebook.com/share/182VvMv3hS/
